Hamburger Helper facts for kids
Cheeseburger Macaroni flavor
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| Type | Packaged mix |
|---|---|
| Course | Main course |
| Created by | General Mills |
| Invented | 1971 |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Pasta or rice |
| Ingredients generally used | Seasonings |
| Variations |
|
Hamburger Helper is a packaged food product manufactured by Eagle Foods. As boxed, it consists of a dried carbohydrate (often pasta or rice), with powdered seasonings contained in a packet. The consumer is meant to combine the contents of the box with browned ground beef ("hamburger"), water, and, with some varieties, milk to create a complete one-dish meal.
There are also variations of the product designed for other meats, such as "Tuna Helper" and "Chicken Helper". Some of these feature other starches, such as potatoes.
History
The packaged pasta brand "Hamburger Helper" was introduced by General Mills in 1971 in response to a meat shortage and rising meat prices. In 2005, Food Network rated it third on its list of "Top Five Fad Foods of 1970". In 2013, the company shortened the brand's name to just "Helper".
The Hamburger Helper mascot is "the Helping Hand" or "Lefty"—a four-fingered, left-hand white glove with a face on the palm and a red spherical nose. It often appears in the product's television commercials and on packages.
In May 2022, General Mills announced an agreement to sell the brand to Eagle Foods for approximately $610 million. On July 5, 2022, the sale was completed.
Hamburger varieties
The basic (and most popular) version of Hamburger Helper is a box of dried pasta with seasoning that is designed to be cooked with ground beef. Hamburger Helper offers a variety of flavors, including Lasagna, Cheeseburger Macaroni, Bacon Cheeseburger, Philly Cheesesteak, and others.
Other varieties
There are also variations designed for other meats: "Tuna Helper" and "Chicken Helper".
- Tuna Helper became successful as the second variety to appear on the market, in 1972.
- Fruit Helper was introduced in 1973. These were dessert products made with canned or fresh fruit. The Fruit Helper line has since been discontinued.
- Chicken Helper was introduced in 1984 in response to the wide availability of inexpensive boneless and skinless chicken breasts.
- Asian Helper is a selection of four main Asian-American-style dishes, three made with chicken and one with beef.
- Whole Grain Helper options include Lemon & Herb Chicken, Honey Mustard Chicken, Cheeseburger Mac, and beef Stroganoff flavors made with whole-wheat pasta.
- Pork Helper was introduced in 2003. Varieties included pork fried rice and pork chops with stuffing. The product was discontinued shortly after its introduction.
- Hamburger Helper Microwave Singles were introduced in 2006. This product requires water and brief cooking in the microwave to produce a single serving portion of some of the most popular flavors. Chicken Helper flavors were added in 2007 despite the brand being discontinued shortly thereafter. It returned in 2013 as Chicken and Chili Helper.
See also
